Valentina Karas

Two days later, five girls are getting ready and yapping away in Katelyn's giant room. Homecoming is upon us, and I'm excited to see where tonight takes my friends and I. Our dresses sit on the bed as we work on our hair and makeup for the night.

Katelyn offered to let everyone get ready at her house since it's a decent distance from Mountain View. Plus, Mr. and Mrs. Salazar are lovely human beings. They don't care how much messier their daughter's room is about to get after tonight. To add to the oncoming mess, all of us are spending the night. She and Riley are in front of the vanity while Layla and I are in her connected bathroom, all surfaces littered with various cosmetics. 

We also invited Riley's date, Sophia, to hang out with us before the dance. She decided to come with Layla and I to the bathroom and left her soon to be girlfriend out to dry. Not that we mind; Sophia's a great addition to the group. She's an absolute angel and has good intentions for our friend. 

"Thanks for inviting me over," she says as she curls a section of her highlighted hair. Sophia is barely taller than me and absolutely beautiful, but she compensates for her height with a modelesque body and bronze skin. Makeup-wise, she keeps it pretty natural with concealer, lip gloss, and fake lashes. 

Layla nods, never tearing her gaze away from the mirror. "We're glad we got to meet you. Riley has been a lot happier since you guys met." Layla isn't a makeup person like the rest of our group, but tonight she put on some mascara and a light lip gloss that enhances her angelic features. 

As we get ready, the three of us chat about different topics like school, our hobbies, and share childhood stories. Pink Toes by Childish Gambino hums in the background, mingling with our quiet chatter. Sophia wastes no time telling us the lay of the land at Mountain View. 

"For the most part, everyone's really chill. Some people just think they can do whatever they please since they have daddy's money," she informs us while spraying hairspray onto her freshly curled hair. "Case in point, Cecelia McGraw. She's throwing the after party and is the most passive aggressive person I know."

Sophia's insight reminds me of the night at the party when Blondie's entitlement was showing. Admittedly she was a pretty girl, but I quickly realized what you see isn't what you get. I'll do my best to stay out of her way.

"I hate people like that," Layla inputs. "Hey, do you by chance know my boyfriend Knox?"

Sophia raises her sculpted eyebrows, her eyes lit up with recognition. "Yeah, I know him. He seems like a good guy from our handful of interactions."

"He's the best," Layla gushes. As much as she adores her boyfriend, she isn't the type to make him the center of every conversation. "Katelyn is dating Sawyer Long, who happens to be one of his good friends."

Sophia wrinkles her nose. "He used to be stupid, but he's redeemed himself recently." The two of them continue chatting about private school social dynamics and what to expect. 

I half listen while I get ready. I curl my hair, transforming my straight locks into effortless looking beach waves. Seeing myself with my hair done feels good. My makeup entails dewy foundation, smokey eyes, mauve lip gloss, and mascara. It's a huge step up from my everyday look and it makes me feel put together. I just hope Asher likes what he sees.

Sophia gawks at me when I'm finished, nearly dropping the setting spray she's using. "Damn, Valentina. You look good."

"Thanks, you too." I pray my foundation hides the flush in my cheeks.

Layla gives me a once-over and nods. "Asher will go ballistic when he sees you."

A few minutes later, we're changed into our dresses and applying finishing touches. Katelyn's room smells like hairspray and perfume by the time we're done. Riley and Sophia are both wearing black, but the redhead's dress is asymmetrical and long sleeved and her date's is strapless. Layla's sage green gown sparkles every time the sunlight captures it and Katelyn's dress is blush pink with ruffles, complementing her tan.

I feel just as beautiful tonight as when the red dress and I met last weekend. Thankfully dinner with Asher the other day didn't go to the wrong places. I put in a pair of pearl earrings and wear a gold bracelet and small gold necklace.

"The boys are on their way," Katelyn announces, specifically staring at me. "Asher's coming," she adds with a wink. 

I roll my eyes, but can't suppress my chuckle. "You suck."

We go downstairs and let Mrs. Salazar gush and take photos until our dates arrive. It's nice to catch up with Katelyn's mom, who asks about Ronan and offers her help if needed. Talking to her makes it clear she raised my best friend well.

Katelyn and I are taking a few of just us when the doorbell rings. My heart stops for a second and my legs start to wobble in my heels as if I'm drunk. We haven't even stepped foot at the dance, never mind the after party where alcohol will no doubt be present, and I'm already done for. Mrs. Salazar shoots me a concerned glance before letting everyone in.

The three guys walk in, dressed to the nines. I must admit they all clean up nicely, but Asher looks insanely handsome tonight. He's in a black suit and white button up, and his red tie matches my dress. I mentioned what my dress looks like without thinking much of it, but the small gesture makes my heart flutter. He also has a fresh haircut, the sides shorter but his curls untouched. 

Katelyn and Layla rush to meet up with Sawyer and Knox. On the other hand, me and Asher just stare at each other for what feels like a lifetime. I guess he gets tired of watching our friends eat each other's faces off and he decides to approach me.

Asher looks me up and down. "Damn, V."

"Hello to you, too," I chuckle, letting him pull me into a hug. That spicy cologne he always wears tickles my nostrils as I bury my nose into him.

Asher lets me go, and his eyes meet mine. "You look stunning," he breathes.

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I pray the foundation hides it well enough. "Thanks. You look good too." I feel Katelyn and Riley staring at us, but fuck them. Even Layla, the least nosy of my friends, is sneaking a peek.

"Hey, Valentina!" Sawyer exclaims, and we bump fists. Don't tell my best friend I said this, but he looks nice as well. He's wearing a black button up and a pink bowtie to match Katelyn's dress. 

After hellos and a few more photos from Mrs. Salazar, we decide it's time to head over to the school. The girls pile into Katelyn's car while our dates take a red sports car, presumably Sawyer's. Katelyn is driving with Layla in the seat next to her, while Riley and Sophia join me in the back. Our car ride is full of energy, the five of us screaming songs at the top of our lungs. 

"Did anyone see what I saw?" Katelyn asks her question when MGMT's "Electric Feel" concludes and another song follows. Everyone nods except me, absolutely clueless. 

I raise an eyebrow. "What am I missing?"

Layla looks up from her phone and glances at me from the rearview mirror. "Don't play dumb. We all saw you and Asher earlier. Since when were y'all on hugging terms?"

"Did something happen the other night we aren't aware of?" Katelyn inquires, turning down the music.

I roll my eyes. "Guys, it's not that serious. It's just two people hugging. Nothing wrong with that, right?" Outwardly I'm annoyed, but the hug replays in my head. 

Layla smirks at me. "It's not just the hug, V. He matched his tie to your dress, and did you see him looking at you with heart eyes?"

Sophia, the expert of Mountain View, speaks up. "As someone who has known him since middle school, I haven't seen him look at someone the way he looks at you." 

I bite my lip, staring out the window and watching the elegant buildings whiz by to hide my growing smile. Asher and I aren't there, but my friends' opinions encourage me to explore my feelings. 

Moments later, we pull up to what looks like a modern college campus. Sure enough, we're in Mountain View Academy's parking lot, surrounded by expensive cars. Fancily dressed students are leaving their vehicles in groups and heading to wherever the festivities are. Katelyn parks next to a black BMW and we all hop out. 

I notice Sawyer's car and watch the guys get out. Asher and I notice each other, and he sends me a stomach-flipping smirk. It's not fair he can wear sweats or a suit and still be drop dead gorgeous. My friends are no doubt watching the interaction unfold. We all make our way toward the gym, the bass from the music inside already thumping through the walls. Bring it on, homecoming night.

~

I can honestly say I had a great time tonight. The eight of us formed a circle, screaming at the top of our lungs and partying like there's no tomorrow. For a high school dance, the DJ did a great job, playing a mix of hype popular songs and slower ones. I'm sure Mountain View spent a pretty penny on a talented DJ and it barely made a dent in their budget. 

Back at Katelyn's house, we're getting ready for the second part of the night. The after party is almost an hour drive and at some girl's lake house, according to Sophia. We didn't have to do anything crazy since we were already made up for homecoming. 

Since the theme is all black, Sophia opts not to change out of her dress but swaps her heels for Converses. Riley, however, throws her dress onto the floor and puts on ripped jean shorts and a black tube top. Layla wears jeans and a lace top that looks cute on her, but is more revealing than I'm used to seeing her wear. 

A while back, Katelyn and I saw a two-piece set we fell in love with and we ended up getting matching ones. It consists of a linen tube top and a pair of flowy pants. Katelyn abuses the shit out of hers, but I haven't had the opportunity to wear mine yet. It stares at me every time I see it in my drawers, but my insecurities always precluded me from wearing it publicly. 

I stare at myself in Katelyn's mirror and wonder how the hell my friend talked me into this. The strapless top emphasizes the fact that my arms are huge and not in an attractive way. Luckily it makes my boobs look better and the drapey fabric of the pants caresses my hips and ass instead of less flattering areas. 

Katelyn notices me and grins. "About time you wore that, V. You look sexy." The set puts her toned stomach and curvy hips on display, and I feel insanely jealous that someone's body can be that perfect. 

I sigh at my reflection. "I guess, but I look like a whale."

"Don't say that about yourself, bitch," she scolds with a frown. "If I had your curves, I'd feel like the hottest woman alive." 

Sophia glances up from her spot on the floor. "I agree. Asher will love it."

All the attention makes me blush. "Alright, you guys." I retreat to the bathroom where Layla is putting on clear lip gloss in the mirror and touch up my own makeup, redoing my eyeliner and dark grey and silver smokey eye. Might as well. 

After we say goodbye to Katelyn's parents and take a few pictures, we make the longer drive to the after party. Katelyn chose Lucki as background music, and his song "Heavy on my Heart" is currently on. Conversation flows freely during the drive, and Riley has the lovely idea of starting a game of "Kiss, Marry, Kill". 

"Santa, the tooth fairy, and the Easter bunny," Sophia suggests, contemplative silence filling the car. 

Layla speaks up first. "Marry Santa, duh. He'd definitely make you anything you can possibly ask for. I'd lowkey kill the tooth fairy, she's irrelevant. And who doesn't love bunnies?" The rest of us nod at her rationale. 

"Alright, Aurora, Rapunzel, and Jasmine," says Riley. 

"I'd kill Aurora for sleeping all the time, at that point she's basically dead," explains Sophia. "Then I'd marry Rapunzel so she spills her secrets to her long and gorgeous hair. I'd obviously kiss Jasmine, she's sexy as hell." All of us guffaw at that last part, save for a gobsmacked Riley.

We talk about everything and nothing as "Out My Way" by Lucki flows from the car's speakers. The GPS speaks every once in a while since we have no clue where the hell we're going. Next to me, Sophia's head is rested on Riley's shoulder, the former's dainty fingers tracing doodles on Riley's tan thigh. My goodness, they're adorable. Just friends my ass. 

"On a scale from one to ten, how likely do we think it is our beautiful friend Valentina will hook up with Asher?" Katelyn asks, letting the car drift into the right lane. 

I let out a mortified gasp. "Alright, what the fuck?"

Riley smirks. "Eleven. Even I didn't know what to do when you put on that outfit, so imagine what he'll do."

"I think there are six bedrooms and four and a half bedrooms? I don't fucking remember," adds Sophia, making the others giggle at her crazy insinuation. "The point is, I would take advantage of that." Riley places a proud kiss on her cheek.

"Sawyer has a box of condoms in his car. He'll be happy to share one with his buddy Asher."

Embarrassed is the understatement of the century. All of these crazy insinuations about Asher and I make my head spin. "Stop embarrassing me, you three," I say in a small voice. 

"Don't do anything you're not comfortable with, V," says Layla, though she's smirking at the condom comment. 

A few minutes later, a robotic "you have arrived at your destination" emerges from Katelyn's phone. The house is massive and screams old money, kinda reminiscent of the house from The Summer I Turned Pretty. I hear deafening rap music from inside and we're parked at least a quarter of a mile away.

Before we can unclick our seatbelts, Sophia clears her throat and pulls something out of her purse. "I was going to give y'all these earlier, but I forgot. Better late than never, right?" In her lap are five little bottles of Fireball. She distributes them before opening hers and taking a sip.

"Thanks, Soph." Riley pecks the Asian's cheek, then screws her Fireball open. As soon as the lid is off, she downs it in record time. The flustered look on her face and incessant coughing after the fact indicate she should've paced herself. 

Sophia hits her choking girlfriend's back. "Breathe," she demands.

Katelyn takes a small sip from the bottle in her hand. "Poor thing. Thanks for the alcohol, Sophia."

She waves her off. "It's the least I could do. Y'all are so much fun."

"We try," I grin, staring at the unopened Fireball on my lap. 

"Do you not drink, Valentina?" Sophia asks when she notices I haven't touched it.

I shake my head. "Oh no, I'll do it every once in a while. The last thing we need is Riley part two, though." The whole car erupts in laughter, and even my tomato-faced friend joins in. 

Right away, the potent cinnamon concoction takes effect. It tastes the way Asher's cologne smells. I take a couple more sips of it and let it soothe my worries like Delsym nips a cold in the bud. With the extra confidence in my system, my lip gloss might be smudged by the end of the night, courtesy of Asher.

Katelyn's phone pings and she checks it. "Sawyer's here!" she sings, looking around for his famous red Hellcat. "Let's go see our men!"

Before I can protest, she tells Riley to text her if she or Sophia need anything and I'm dragged out of the car. The cool, fresh air feels amazing after my alcohol escapades. I feel my legs start to wobble a little, but I'm far from wasted. I unscrew the lid again and embrace the burning in my throat. 

"Someone's gonna get carried out of the party," Katelyn teases when she notices the bottle on my lips. I can't even roll my eyes before I notice Sawyer's sandy head.

Once we're caught up, Katelyn approaches her boyfriend from behind. "Hey, Mr. Long," she coos, making Sawyer jump.

"Shit, babe. You can't scare me like that." Sawyer sounds annoyed, but he's smiling anyway. He presses a quick kiss to her forehead. "Hey, Valentina."

I wave. "Hello again, Sawyer."

Asher pouts, shaking his head. "I see how it is, V. Saying hi to him first?" Even though he's being a big baby, he looks handsome in a black baseball jersey and baggy jeans. Someone's getting a smooch tonight if he doesn't piss me off. 

I roll my eyes at his sass. "Hi, Asher. Did your kindergarten teacher ever tell you to wait your turn?" 

"Burn," Sawyer exclaims. He should be grateful I'm too out of it to tell him to mind his business. 

"That wasn't nice," the Puerto Rican says, putting an arm around me. The warmth from his body helps counteract the chill in the air. Luckily our friends aren't paying attention to us and they're immersed in their own conversation.

"Shall we?" Katelyn smirks at me with her hand in Sawyer's. 

"Uh...we shall," Sawyer says, raising an eyebrow at Asher. The boys share that look friends do when they know something everyone else doesn't. Katelyn and I have a staring contest of our own, and a silent "what the fuck is happening" enters the air between us. 

Once a gentleman wearing a vest and tie places what he tells me is a vodka lemonade in my hands, weird boy telepathy becomes the least of my concerns. I graciously accept drink number one of the night and make a mental note to make myself another one later on. I'm looser thanks to my drinking, but not drunk enough to overlook how gorgeous the house is. A couple hours from now, the shiny wooden floors will be littered with beer cans and the house will be trashed.

"You drank that quickly," Asher comments, and it dawns on me I've already drained a third of the glass while he's sipping on his. I just want to apologize in advance for what I'm about to do tonight and I'm not responsible for what drunk Valentina does or says. 

I just shrug, to which he laughs and takes a large swig of his lemonade. Katelyn and Sawyer have long approached the dance floor, leaving us alone. You know what this means? I haven't kissed anyone in four years and that streak ends tonight. Fingers crossed.

A large, older man in a striped polo struts towards us before my thoughts become R-rated. I glance at Asher, who has a polite but phony smile on his face. Whoever this guy is, Asher evidently isn't his biggest fan.

"Hey, Asher!" He smiles, revealing a set of veneer-like teeth. The two shake hands like they're in the UN or some shit before the stranger launches into small talk. I can tell the boy next to me is bored out of his mind and has some explaining to do, preferably when we're sober. 

He suddenly pushes me towards the man. "This is my date Valentina," he says with conviction in his voice. 

We shake hands. "Daniel McGraw. Pleasure to meet you, miss."

"You too. This house is lovely," I say politely.  

Mr. McGraw grins widely and launches on a tirade about how this house has been in the family for decades and is worth half a million today. Like Asher, I politely nod when needed, but am mostly zoned out. 

"It was lovely to meet you, but can Mr. Mendez and I have a minute?" Mr. McGraw requests in the middle of his yapping.

Asher looks between Mr. McGraw and I before an apology enters his eyes. "I'll text you when I'm done. We shouldn't be long."

I'm a bit taken aback by the request, but I leave the two alone. Asher is a tall guy, but the man's giant frame obscures him from view when he stands right in front of him. I watch them for a few seconds before entering the clump of people in search of my friends. Part of me wants to drag him away from his little chat or eavesdrop, but I know better. Suddenly I understand Riley's nosiness.

I sigh, sipping what's left of my vodka lemonade. The drink is room temperature now, and the tartness clings to my tongue in a way that makes me crave another. But before I can even think about looking for the bar, a familiar voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Valentina!"

I turn to find Katelyn waving me over and Sawyer holding a bottle of tequila. They're standing by the counter with four shot glasses in front of them. The host provided a lot of alcoholic options, but there is also water and soda for people who prefer that. 

"Want a shot?" Sawyer pours the tequila into the shot glasses and holds one up. 

I accept the glass and join my friend and her boyfriend at the counter. "To young love and shit choices," Katelyn grins, raising her tequila like that one scene in The Lion King.

I clink mine against hers. "Hell yeah."

Katelyn and Sawyer clink their glasses, then we throw the shots back in unison. Holy shit, that burns worse than the Fireball from earlier. I should pace myself before I get too drunk and land myself in trouble.

Katelyn puts her glass down and raises an eyebrow at me. "Hey, where's Asher?"

"The host wanted to talk to him about something," I say casually even though something feels odd about this whole thing. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the two of them talking. The brick wall of a man moved out of the way a bit, giving me a view of Asher's unamused expression. He can't be enjoying the conversation.

"Yeah. Mr. McGraw really wants Asher and Cecelia back together," mumbles Sawyer at a barely coherent volume. 

I tilt my head at Sawyer. "Huh?"

Sawyer puts his head in his hands at his drunken comment. "You know what, forget I said anything," he replies, a slight slur on his words. "Another shot, ladies?"

~

hellooooo! what you just read is one of my favorite chapters of this story. more to come + hoco part 2 in the works! xoxo. also, all of the songs in this chapter are among my favorites. 

happy birthweek to me ig